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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/9/2004 - Regular March 9, 2004 213 Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive Roanoke, Virginia 24018 March 9, 2004 The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the Roanoke County Administration Center, this being the second Tuesday and the first regularly scheduled meeting of the month of March, 2004. IN RE: CALL TO ORDER Chairman Flora called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. The roll call was taken. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Richard C. Flora, Vice-Chairman Michael W. (Arrived 4:25 p.m.), Altizer Supervisors Joseph B. “Butch” Church, Joseph P. McNamara, Michael A. Wray MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Elmer C. Hodge,County Administrator;Paul M. Mahoney, County Attorney; Brenda J. Holton, Deputy Clerk to the Board; John M. Chambliss, Assistant County Administrator; Dan O’Donnell, Assistant County Administrator; Teresa Hamilton Hall, Public Information Officer IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES The invocation was given by the Reverend Enos Glaspie, Jr., Shiloh Baptist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present. IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS 1. Recognition of the Roanoke County Fire & Rescue Department for receiving the Governor’s 2003 Fire Service Awards for Excellence March 9, 2004 214 in Virginia Public Fire & Life Safety Education and Excellence in Virginia Fire Service Management Chairman Flora recognized Chief Richard Burch and the following individuals from the County Fire and Rescue Department: Jennifer Conley, Volunteer Recruiter/Marketing Administrator; Captain Gary Huffman, Fire Marshal’s office; Captain Troy Gray; Lt. Sam Stump, City of Roanoke; Firefighter Kevin Gresham; Division Chiefs Steve Poff, Todd Maxey and Joey Stump. Also present was Chief Jim Grigsby, Roanoke City Fire-EMS Department. 2 Proclamation declaring the month of March 2004 as Purchasing . Month in the County of Roanoke Chairman Flora presented the proclamation to the following individuals from the County Purchasing Department: Rebecca Owens, Director of Finance; Geraldine Barber, Assistant Director of Finance; Don Karnes, Purchasing Manager; Jan Killgore, Program Support Specialist; and Kay Johnston, Buyer. Chairman Flora explained that members of the Schools Purchasing Department were unable to be present. IN RE: BRIEFING 1. Annual Report from the Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership. (Phil Sparks, Executive Director) Mr. Sparks advised that calendar year 2003 was the third-best year in the history of the Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership (RVEDP) which March 9, 2004 215 began twenty years ago this past August. They announced $110 million in new projects in 2003 and more than 1,000 jobs for citizens. Two of the most significant of those projects, Integrity Windows and Cardinal Glass, are located in Roanoke County. Mr. Sparks reported on the measurable goals for fiscal year 2003/2004 for the RVEDP as follows: Advertisement Placement: The goal was to place 53 ads reaching 2.2 million people and as of this date, they have placed 30 ads reaching more than 900,000 people. They are assured of reaching their goals because they have bought ads in advance to save money. This year they will eliminate participation in trade shows which have been unsuccessful and will participate in ten shows instead of eighteen. To date, they have participated in seven shows and a team is in Detroit this week at an automotive show where they received information about two promising leads for the area. At these trade shows, they have the opportunity to meet the media who may publish articles about the Roanoke Valley. Marketing Missions: The RVEDP uses a marketing company in Richmond which does very specific telephone canvassing in a targeted area. As the result of 2,000 telephone calls, at the marketing mission to Toronto in September, they were able to make seven appointments with companies who had specific projects and were aware of the reason for the meeting. This is a very effective way to convey the area’s message. The goal for marketing missions this year is five and to date, one has been completed. A trip was scheduled in December but after 2,600 calls with only one March 9, 2004 216 appointment, the trip was cancelled. They are now working on the second trip. From the first trip, they received seven qualified leads and they are hopeful visits will result from them in the next year. Site Location Consultants: Companies look to site location consultants for assistance in finding sites for businesses. In the past, the RVEDP has sent out newsletters by mail or electronically but last month, they sent out their first electronic newsletter to 1,500 site location consultants. More than 158 of those individuals opened the newsletter with 18% reading entire pages. These newsletters describe the quality of life in the Roanoke and New River Valley areas, report on activities in the area, and link to the research departments at Virginia Tech. This helps to create an image for the area. There will be six newsletters per year with the initial cost being approximately $30,000. Marketing Managers: There are 18 marketing managers who travel throughout the United States and the world promoting Virginia and RVEDP is working hard to keep the Roanoke Valley first in their minds. They have met with marketing managers at least 70 times this fiscal year. Existing Business Development Targets: Part of RVEDP’s mission statement is to foster the growth of not only new businesses but existing businesses. Mr. Sparks advised that he will make 104 visits to local companies this year and staff member Diane Akers will make another 104 visits. Four committee meetings are scheduled each year for all of the businesses that participate financially with the RVEDP March 9, 2004 217 with an average of 75 to 80 companies per business meeting. They also have round- table meetings each month with 12 to 15 companies participating. These round-table meetings have been held at the RVEDP’s offices but this year, they are going to hold these meeting at the companies so that each can be showcased to the other participants. Relationship building with New River Valley (NRV) Alliance: The RVEDP has a written agreement with the NRV for marketing missions, trade shows and tours. The NRV initially agreed to do two marketing missions but they have asked to increase that to five and have a strong interest in ten. The NRV and Shenandoah Valley Partnership are working at the trade show this week in Detroit with the RVEDP and they are being promoted as the I-81 Automotive Corridor. Editorial Placement: One of the keys to the RVEDP marketing program is having articles written about this area in national publications and more than sixty articles have been published during the last two calendar years. Progress toward goals: The goal this year for capital investment was $25 million and to date the total is $37 million. The goal for payroll generated was $5.9 million and it is at $9.1 million. The target for average salary was $29,500 and it is now at $27,600. 421 jobs have been announced and the target was 200. Local governments are converting one out of every four prospects that come into the Roanoke Valley. Active Prospects: Proposals are pending on five projects totaling $49.5 March 9, 2004 218 million. They are actively considering projects with no proposals yet which total from $41 million to $48 million, and long range prospects total from $8 million to $17 million. The total investments for these thirteen projects are $99 million to $115 million. The project activities are off at least 50% of what it was at this time last year but this is the second year without any advertising from the Commonwealth of Virginia which makes it very difficult. Even though the RVEDP has ads, when the state publishes full-page ads, it increases the awareness level and inquiries increase. Other issues: He advised that the state needs to increase incentives for this area to remain competitive with the other states in the Mid-Atlantic region. Another issue is work for service money and there is a big difference in saying “we will train your people” instead of providing money for training which we are currently doing. He has started discussions with Dr. Sandel at Virginia Western Community College to determine if the community can work with the state to train people. Another challenge is to obtain funding for training of the workforce for existing companies. In response to Supervisor Wray’s inquiry, Mr. Sparks advised that the seven participating governments are: Botetourt County, Craig County, Franklin County, Roanoke County, Cities of Roanoke and Salem and Town of Vinton. They also have a working relationship with governments in the New River Valley. He advised Supervisor Wray that incentives are not federal but state and local governments are carrying the bulk of the incentives. Supervisor McNamara advised that it is distressing when the shortfall of March 9, 2004 219 funds from the state impacts economic development and educational infrastructures. He advised that the Board is committed to economic development and appreciates and supports the efforts of the RVEDP. Mr. Hodge expressed appreciation to Mr. Sparks, the RVEDP staff, and the members of the County’s economic development department staff for their efforts. He advised that the Board has always been very supportive of recruiting and keeping businesses and their efforts are appreciated. IN RE: NEW BUSINESS 1. Approval of an amendment to the Open Space Agreement with Hunting Hills Country Club. (Paul Mahoney, County Attorney) A-030904-1 Mr. Mahoney advised that this action approves amendments to the Open Space Use Agreement with Hunting Hills Country Club, Inc., and authorizes the Director of Real Estate Assessment to execute the amended agreement on behalf of Roanoke County. On January 7, 2000, Roanoke County entered into an Open Space Use Agreement with Hunting Hills Country Club, Inc., (owner) under which the owner made a written recorded commitment to preserve and protect open space uses of approximately 170 acres during the 10-year term of the agreement in order for the property to be taxed on the basis of its use. As a result of the negotiations between the owner and Old Heritage, Inc., these parties have agreed to divide the property such that 16 acres remain with Hunting Hills Country Club, Inc., and approximately 153 acres will March 9, 2004 220 be conveyed to Old Heritage, Inc., then leased back to Hunting Hills Country Club, Inc., in order to continue the operation of the golf course. These parties have requested that the County amend the Open Space Use Agreement to allow this property division and not be in violation of the agreement. The parties have represented to the County that the use of the property will not change and request this amendment to avoid triggering any roll back tax liability as a result of this property division. Mr. Mahoney advised that a representative from Hunting Hills Country Club was present, as well as Billy Driver, Director of Real Estate Valuation. Mr. Mahoney asked that the Board approve these amendments to the Open Space Use Agreement. In response to Supervisor McNamara’s inquiry, Mr. Mahoney advised that future development of the property by Old Heritage, Inc. would trigger the roll back tax liability. Mr. Mahoney advised that there are a series of covenants in their agreements which limits future development for a thirty-year term. In addition, under state law and the Open Space Use Agreement, there is a provision that if there is a change in use or violation of other conditions within a ten-year period, the application of the roll back tax liability would be triggered. Supervisor Wray moved to approve staff recommendation (approve the amendments to the Open Space Use Agreement to allow the separation or split-off of lots or parcels from the property without triggering roll back tax liability on the entire property and add Old Heritage, Inc., as a party to the amended Open Space Use Agreement). The motion carried by the following recorded vote: March 9, 2004 221 AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Flora NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Altizer 2. Resolution authorizing approval of a settlement agreement in the eminent domain proceedings with James L. Woltz for acquisition of a parcel of land consisting of 44,100 sq. ft., together with an access and utility easement, for emergency communication purposes located off Honeysuckle Road on Poor Mountain, Windsor Hills Magisterial District. (Paul Mahoney, County Attorney) R-030904-2 Mr. Mahoney advised that in 1997, the Board authorized acquisition of, and immediate right of entry to, a 44,100 square-foot parcel of land with a 25’ access and utility easement for emergency communications facilities through eminent domain proceedings. Mr. Woltz is the owner of the property and this matter has been on the Court’s docket for many years. Staff presented a proposed settlement of both cases in closed session on October 28, 2003. Staff continued negotiations with Woltz and the issues have been resolved. He thanked Ms. Vickie Huffman, Senior Assistant County Attorney, and Ms. Anne Marie Green, Director of General Services, for their assistance in negotiating this agreement. The resolution sets out the elements of the settlement and he asked that it be approved so that this action can be dismissed in the Circuit March 9, 2004 222 Court. There was no discussion. Supervisor Flora moved to adopt the resolution. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Flora NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Altizer RESOLUTION 030904-2 AUTHORIZING APPROVAL OF A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT IN THE EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEEDINGS WITH JAMES L. WOLTZ FOR ACQUISITION OF A PARCEL OF LAND CONSISTING OF 44,100 SQ. FT., TOGETHER WITH AN ACCESS AND UTILITY EASEMENT, FOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION PURPOSES LOCATED OFF HONEYSUCKLE ROAD ON POOR MOUNTAIN IN THE WINDSOR HILLS MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT WHEREAS, by Resolution #102897-5, the Board of Supervisors authorized the acquisition of, and immediate right of entry to, a parcel of land consisting of 44,100 square feet, together with a 25' access and utility easement, for the purpose of providing emergency communications facilities, from James L. Woltz and John E. Woltz by eminent domain proceedings; and, WHEREAS, a petition for condemnation of said property was filed in the Circuit Court of the County of Roanoke, styled County of Roanoke v. Woltz and Woltz, CL97000549; and, WHEREAS, there is also a case styled Woltz v. Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, CL 98000152, currently pending in the Circuit Court, wherein Woltz sought to recover certain rental payments alleged to be due for the period between the expiration of a lease for the property and the effective date of the condemnation; and, WHEREAS, staff has negotiated an agreement with Woltz in settlement of both of the above-described cases. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA, as follows: 1. That a settlement agreement in the above-styled cases with James L. Woltz providing for the following terms and conditions is hereby authorized and approved: a. That the County will pay a total sum of $250,000.00 (including the $107,000.00 previously paid) for the 44,100-acre communications site on Poor March 9, 2004 223 Mountain in the Windsor Hills Magisterial District, together with a 25' access and utility easement, being shown and designated as "PROPOSED 44,100 S.F. ACQUISITION" and "PROPOSED 25' ACCESS & UTILITY EASEMENT" on that certain 'Plat Showing Property (44,100 S.F.) and Access & Utility Easement To Be Acquired By County of Roanoke From James L. Woltz & John E. Woltz', dated October 30, 1997, prepared by Lumsden Associates, P.C., Engineers-Surveyors-Planners, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A. b. That Woltz and the County will enter into a separate agreement to provide that Woltz may relocate the 25' access and utility easement to an agreeable alternative location, at Woltz’ request and at Woltz’ cost, provided that the new location is comparable in width, terrain and construction as the current easement. 2. That $107,000.00 has previously been paid through the condemnation action, and the balance of $143,000.00, plus up to $2,000.00 for expenses, is hereby appropriated from the Undesignated Capital Fund. 3. That the County Administrator, or an Assistant County Administrator, and the County Attorney are hereby authorized to execute such documents and take such actions as may be necessary to finalize this agreement and acquisition, all of which shall be on form approved by the County Attorney. 4. That this ordinance shall be effective on and from the date of its adoption. On motion of Supervisor Flora to adopt the resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Flora NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Altizer IN RE: SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES 1. Second reading of an ordinance approving and authorizing execution of Amendment No. 1 to the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee Agreement among the County of Roanoke, the City of Roanoke, and the Town of Vinton. (Joseph B. Obenshain, Senior Assistant County Attorney) O-030904-3 Mr. Mahoney advised that there have been no changes since the first March 9, 2004 224 reading of this ordinance. He reported that Mr. Obenshain was present to answer questions. There was no discussion. Supervisor Church moved to adopt the ordinance. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Flora NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Altizer ORDINANCE 030904-3 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE ROANOKE VALLEY REGIONAL CABLE TELEVISION COMMITTEE AGREEMENT AMONG THE COUNTY OF ROANOKE, THE CITY OF ROANOKE AND THE TOWN OF VINTON WHEREAS, the County of Roanoke, the City of Roanoke and the Town of Vinton previously entered into a Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee Agreement dated June 9, 1992, that authorized the Committee to provide for the development, administration, and operation of cable television governmental, educational and institutional facilities and programming on behalf of the three participating jurisdictions; and WHEREAS, the three named jurisdictions have enacted Cable Television Franchise Ordinances effective October 31, 2003, and entered into Cable Television Franchise Agreements, pursuant to those ordinances, with CoxCom, Inc., d/b/a Cox Communications Roanoke; and WHEREAS, the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee Agreement needs to be modified to reflect references to the recently adopted Cable Television Franchise Ordinances and Cable Television Franchise agreement mentioned above; and WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on February 24, 2004; and the second reading was held on March 9, 2004. BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows: 1. That the substance of the terms of Amendment No. 1 to the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee Agreement attached to the Board Report for this ordinance is hereby approved and adopted. 2. The Roanoke County Administrator and the Clerk to the Board of March 9, 2004 225 Supervisors are hereby authorized, for and on behalf of the County, to execute and attest, respectively, Amendment No. 1 to the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee Agreement in a form substantially similar to the one attached to the above mentioned Board Report and as shall be approved by the County Attorney. 3. The County Administrator is further authorized to take such further action and execute such additional documents as may be necessary to implement and administer such Amendment No. 1 to the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee Agreement and the underlying Agreement itself. 4. That this ordinance shall be effective from and after the date of its adoption. On motion of Supervisor Church to adopt the ordinance, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Flora NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Altizer IN RE: APPOINTMENTS 1. Board of Zoning Appeals (Appointed by District) Supervisor Wary nominated Kevin Barnes to represent the Cave Spring District and complete the unexpired five-year term of Rodney W. McNeil which will expire June 30, 2004. He requested that Mr. Barnes’ nomination be confirmed on the Consent Agenda at this meeting. 2. Grievance Panel Supervisor Flora nominated Beth Anderson as an alternate member to complete the unexpired portion of Karen Ewell’s three-year term. This term will expire on October 28, 2006 3. League of Older Americans Advisory Council Supervisor Flora nominated Beverly Eyerly to serve an additional one-year term which will expire on March 31, 2005 March 9, 2004 226 4Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission and Roanoke . Valley Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Community Advisory Committee Supervisor McNamara advised that appointments to the RV-ARC and RVA-MPO (CAC) are not made by district. Members of these committees need to understand transportation issues, consider the needs of the Roanoke Valley and have time to devote to serving on these committees. He requested that the Board members, Community Development Department and anyone else who might be interested submit names for nominations. IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA R-030904-4; R-030904-4.b Supervisor Flora moved to adopt the consent resolution with Item 6 added. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Flora NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Altizer RESOLUTION 030904-3 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS ITEM J - CONSENT AGENDA BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows: 1. That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for March 9, 2004, designated as Item J - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and March 9, 2004 227 concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1 through 5, inclusive, as follows: 1. Approval of minutes – February 24, 2004 2. Request from the Police Department to accept and appropriate a court- community corrections program grant in the amount of $6,000 3. Resolution of appreciation upon the retirement of Cecil L. Gearheart, Community Development Department, after seventeen years of service 4. Acceptance of donation of variable width water line easement from the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Transportation (Tax Map No. 87.10-2-6) to the Board of Supervisors, located in the Cave Spring Magisterial District 5. Request from Social Services Department to appropriate $388,000 from the state to various public assistance programs 6. Confirmation of committee appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals That the Clerk to the Board is hereby authorized and directed where required by law to set forth upon any of said items the separate vote tabulation for any such item pursuant to this resolution. On motion of Supervisor Flora to adopt the resolution with Item 6 added, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Flora NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Altizer RESOLUTION 030904-4.b EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY UPON THE RETIREMENT OF CECIL L. GEARHEART, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, AFTER SEVENTEEN YEARS OF SERVICE WHEREAS, Cecil L. Gearheart was first employed by Roanoke County on March 3, 1987, as an Engineering Aide in the Community Development Department; and WHEREAS, Mr. Gearheart retired from Roanoke County on March 1, 2004, as an Engineering/GIS Technician after seventeen years of service; and WHEREAS, Mr. Gearheart was a member of the team that completed the conversion of the hand-maintained tax maps and utilities into a digital format; and WHEREAS, Ms. Gearheart had a major role in the conversion and maintenance of the Emergency 911 Street and Address system; and WHEREAS, Mr. Gearheart, through his employment with Roanoke County, has been instrumental in improving the quality of life for its citizens. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of the citizens of Roanoke County to CECIL L. GEARHEART for seventeen years of capable, loyal and dedicated service to Roanoke County; and March 9, 2004 228 FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for a happy and productive retirement. On motion of Supervisor Flora to adopt the resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Flora NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Altizer IN RE: REPORTS Supervisor Flora moved to receive and file the following reports. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Flora NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Altizer 1. General Fund Unappropriated Balance 2. Capital Fund Unappropriated Balance 3. Board Contingency Fund 4. Future Capital Projects IN RE: CLOSED MEETING At 3:55 p.m., Supervisor Flora moved to go into closed meeting following the work sessions pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711 A (1) discussion or consideration of the appointment of specific public officers, namely Roanoke Valley- Alleghany Regional Commission, Roanoke Valley Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Community Advisory Committee, and Clean Valley Council; Section 2.2- 3711 A (3) discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for public March 9, 2004 229 purposes, the Buck Mountain Road intersection improvements. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Flora NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Altizer TH IN RE: WORK SESSIONS (4 Floor Conference Room) 1. Work Session to update the Board on the 2004 General Assembly Session. (Paul Mahoney, County Attorney) The work session was held from 4:10 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Mr. Mahoney advised that he distributed with the agenda a summary prepared by the Virginia Municipal League showing the details of the competing House and Senate budgets. Both budgets are for two years with the Senate budget approving $61.5 billion and the House budget approving $58 billion. He advised that the General Assembly (GA) must agree on the final budget by March 13, 2004, or extend the session. If the budget is not approved at that time, there will be delays for local governments and schools system to prepare their budgets. There was discussion concerning the elements of the two budgets that would have significant effects on Roanoke County which included decreased or loss of funding for the following: (1) aid to local governments (HB 599), (2) teachers’ retirement, (3) teacher’s salaries, (4) Treasurer’s budget; and (5) Commissioner of the Revenue’s budget. IN RE: ARRIVAL OF SUPERVISOR ALTIZER March 9, 2004 230 Supervisor Altizer arrived at 4:25 p.m. 2. Work Session to discuss the fiscal year 2004-2005 budget. (Brent Robertson, Budget Director) The work session was held from 4:30 p.m. until 5:10 p.m. Mr. Hodge advised that the departmental budget reviews have been completed; that he and Chairman Flora met with the school staff on two occasions; that the school budget cannot be finalized without more information from the state; and that a budget work session with the School Board has been scheduled for March 31. Mr. Robertson reviewed the major expenditure issues for the 2004-2005 budget which included (1) employee salaries and benefits, (2) funded increases in operations and (3) additional departmental requests. Mr. Robertson advised that the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) costs went from 7.5% to 13.5% which is an increase of $2 million. There was discussion concerning a health insurance increase ($247,162), salary increase (1% cost $380,000) and a proposed deferred compensation match increase from $10 to $25 ($185,000). Ms. Hyatt advised that renewal of the health insurance contract will be requested at the April 27 meeting. Mr. Robertson advised that the funded increases in operations included: enhanced bulk and brush collection ($90,000); increased drainage maintenance services ($162,500); elimination of utility transfer ($252,000); Cortran usage ($78,000); Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT) mandated cases, ($1 million); fuel March 9, 2004 231 cost increases ($50,000); tipping fees ($65,000); SPCA boarding fees ($22,000); and software licensing and infrastructure ($120,000). Ms. Green was asked to provide information concerning the bids received for the dumpster service at the March 23 meeting. Mr. Chambliss was asked to provide a summary of the increases in Cortran usage and CPMT mandated cases. Mr. Robertson advised that the additional departmental requests included: outsourcing jail inmates ($150,000); County newsletter/citizen survey ($25,000); new position requests for public safety ($2,083,623) and other operating departments (169,254); capital maintenance for Parks and Recreation ($300,000); and imaging system for Human Resources Department ($16,190). Ms. Holton was asked to provide copies of the last two citizens’ surveys for the Board’s review. Ms. Hall was asked to provide additional information concerning the design and publishing of a County newsletter. In response to Supervisor McNamara’s inquiries, Mr. Hodge advised that revenues are projected at $5.8 million and he will present information concerning revenues and salary increases for both County and Schools at the March 23 meeting. IN RE: CLOSED MEETING The Closed Meeting was held from 5:10 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. IN RE: DISCUSSION OF BOARD RULES AND PROCEDURES Chairman Flora declared the Board to be in open session and the rules and procedures for the Board were discussed until 6:25 p.m. It was the consensus of March 9, 2004 232 the Board that Mr. Mahoney will bring back an ordinance at the March 23 meeting to amend the roll call section of the Board rules and procedures. IN RE: CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION R-030904-5 At 7:00 p.m., Supervisor Flora moved to return to open session and adopt the Certification Resolution. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora NAYS: None RESOLUTION 030904-5 CERTIFYING THE CLOSED MEETING WAS HELD IN CONFORMITY WITH THE CODE OF VIRGINIA WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia has convened a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of The Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and WHEREAS, Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, that such closed meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, hereby certifies that, to the best of each members knowledge: 1. Only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting which this certification resolution applies, and 2. Only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia. On motion of Supervisor Flora to adopt the resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora NAYS: None IN RE: PROCLAMATION, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS 1. Certificates of recognition to Doris Dunn Wickline and William March 9, 2004 233 Thomas Wickline, Sr. for more than 100 years of combined service as officers of election in the Clearbrook Precinct Chairman Flora presented the certificates of recognition to Mr. and Mrs. Wickline. Also present were Diane Henson, General Registrar; Betty Graham, Deputy Assistant General Registrar; Anne Wagner, Assistant Registrar; Ronkeith Adkins, Chairman of the Electoral Board; and Dana Smith, Secretary of the Electoral Board. IN RE: PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Public hearing to elicit citizen comment on the following items: (Brent Robertson, Budget Director) (a)General comment on the annual budget for fiscal year 2004- 2005 Mr. Robertson advised that consistent with past practices, the Board is holding a public hearing to give citizens the opportunity to express their priorities and concerns for the Board’s consideration during formulation of the upcoming budget. There were no citizens present to speak on the annual budget for fiscal year 2004-2005 (b) “Effective” tax rate increase Mr. Robertson advised that the state mandates that when reassessment of real property in a locality results in a real estate revenue increase of 1% over the previous year, the locality must either reduce the tax rate, so that the revenues are no March 9, 2004 234 more than 101% of the previous year’s, or hold a public hearing indicating an “effective” real property tax increase. There were no citizens present to speak on the “effective” tax rate increase. (c) Real estate, personal property and machinery and tools tax rates Mr. Robertson advised that the tax rates were advertised at the County’s current rates as follows: (1) Real Estate Tax at a rate of not more than $1.12 per one hundred dollars assessed valuation. (2) Personal Property Tax at a rate of not more than $3.50 per one hundred dollars assessed valuation. (3) Machinery and Tools Tax at a rate of not more than $3.00 per one hundred dollars assessed valuation. Mr. Robertson advised that he will request adoption of the tax rates at the Board meeting on March 23. There were no citizens present to speak on the tax rates. IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS Supervisor McNamara (1) He received a call from WFIR asking about news in the County and the public hearing tonight for citizens’ comments on the tax rates. He advised that the rates are the same as in previous years and since no one showed up to comment, the citizens must think the Board is doing a decent job with the revenues that they are given. The Board is always trying to do a better job and never takes what they do for granted. (2) He advised that he was disturbed at the information March 9, 2004 235 received during the work session on the GA actions concerning decreased funding for localities. He felt that the County is very fortunate that local revenues are increasing and the GA has a tough job ahead of them. He wished them well and asked them to remember the localities and the constituents that they serve. Supervisor Altizer: He advised that there was a fire this morning in a detached classroom at Mount Pleasant Elementary School. When he arrived on the scene, the Mount Pleasant, Vinton and Clearbrook Fire Departments had all responded within ten minutes of getting the call. He expressed appreciation to the paid staffs and the volunteers for their quick responses and advised that the additional personnel the Board allocated for public safety has had a positive effect on response times. Supervisor Flora : He advised that the fire at the Mt. Pleasant School was limited to the mobile classroom; there was no damage to the school’s main structure; and there was no interruption of the educational process. He expressed appreciation to John Chambliss for his assistance at the scene. He expressed appreciation to all of the fire departments for their responses and whoever was responsible for staging the school buses so they could be unloaded and not interfere with the efforts of the firefighters. He advised that Clearbrook was able to respond because they are backed up by a Roanoke City unit and this is one of the advantages of having an agreement between the County and the City. IN RE: ADJOURNMENT Chairman Flora adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. He announced that March 9, 2004 236 on March 10, 2004, at 2:00 p.m., beginning at the Roanoke County Administration Center, 5204 Bernard Drive, members of the Board, Planning Commission and staff will participate in a tour of County sites to evaluate issues pertaining to the community plan. Submitted by: Approved by: ________________________ ________________________ Brenda J. Holton Richard C. Flora Deputy Clerk to the Board Chairman